Specificity in vitro of a phenoloxidase system from periplaneta americana (L.)

Abstract

Enzymes capable of oxidizing mono- and diphenols are widely distributed in insects; some of these compounds are involved in the biosynthesis of exoskeletal substances, notably sclerotin1. While several ortho- and para-diphenols have been extracted from cuticle, relatively little is known about the corresponding synthetic enzymes. Recent work in connexion with the reaction of phenolic derivatives with proteins ('tanning reaction') has been reviewed by Hackman2, Mason3 and Dennell4. The present results form part of an investigation of the intermediary metabolism of phenolic substrates involved in sclerotin formation in Periplaneta. © 1960 Nature Publishing Group.